Former Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is skeptical about returning to the UFC. The fighter is credited with putting WMMA on the map and making it possible for female fighters to receive more mainstream views. However, Rousey has not been in the cage since her last fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. The fighter also faced a savage defeat at UFC 193, where she battled Holly Holm. The bout was brutal for the ‘Rowdy Ronda’ who suffered a head-kick knockout in round one.
Following this, the 37-year-old had zero media appearances before she decided to challenge Nunes. Since her last fight, Rousey has been out of the UFC media spotlight except for her few appearances in blockbuster movies. Rousey believes that her long absence has led to bad treatment from the media,
She revealed all this in her new book, “Our Fight”. The fighter recently sat down with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes on their ‘High Performance’ podcast, where she disclosed the severe criticism she has received from the MMA media.
“ Ask the MMA media [why what I gave wasn’t enough– they’re the ones saying it. That I was a fraud, and I was hyped, and I was exposed, and I was never anything and just lucky and all these things, that I was ungracious or I was a loser or every other thing that I just assume at this point because I don’t take the time to read it,
“Everything that could be said that was negative was said,” Rousey said. “ And I feel really vilified by the MMA media at this point and not welcome back, which is why I haven’t gone to a UFC fight since I left. I’m pretty sure if I walked into the arena, I’d be booed. That’s how it feels.”
This isn’t the first time the fighter has suffered some backlash from the media. Throughout it all, the fighter managed to remain strong and keep her head held high.
“I live it. I guess I wish it didn’t bother me. I gave them everything I had, and it wasn’t enough. But that’s why a lot of people don’t give everything that they have because they don’t want to face it if it wasn’t enough. I realized it was enough for me but not enough for people on the outside. But it really wasn’t for them.”
While Rousey may be facing challenges, her impact on the MMA community is undeniable. Her achievements have earned her a place in the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame, a testament to her significant contributions to the sport.
She recently made a transition to WWE shortly after leaving MMA in 2023 but didn’t stay there long before leaving.
